Thoughts From the CoffeeTable

Michael

Putting Myself on Ice

Thoughts From the Coffee Table: For 8 days I put work on ice. Time to relax, reflect, and recharge.

8 days of paddling the SUP. Sitting in the water in a lawn chair. Toodling on the pontoon. And playing “Rocka Hula Girl” to Elvis (aka Chris Olson) at Zorbaz, Gull Lake, MN. Those pics will NOT surface.

The last night I sat with my mother-in-law at Bar Harbor, a place that makes you feel you’ve walked back in time to a hay-day in lake resorts. Think Dirty Dancing.

Music from the corner piano, equipped with seats all around, floated with joy and raw talent. At times I was certain the music was recorded, for how perfect the sound from Tom Hunter.

But Mike the bartender made our night. My mother-in-law is a regular, so he had our drinks begun before we were settled. Dave and Kevin also added to the charm and the banter, but Mike made us feel at home.

As we settled in for an incredible meal watching the sun dip over the hills, my work brain began to turn back on. Details like branded ice cubes and drawn butter on a tiny candle dish were all worthy of note and proof of care.

But Mike was the light that drew us in and warmed our spirits. He could guide me back, melt away the stress, and remind me that great service always begins with a quality person.